UCDSB Mental Health Strategy Overview 2017-2020

We believe that if we establish a consistent,
equitable, and intentional culture of well-being and inclusivity in all of our
schools, then all students will: Experience a positive sense of self and
belonging; Develop skills to make positive choices; And live healthy
lives to their full potential.

Living Well in the UCDSB

This initiative focuses on character education, healthy living, safety, mental health, and more. Providing support to all students, and includes social media campaigns such as #SeeMyVoice and #Weallbelong.

The Community Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Risk Review Protocol was developed through a broad-ranging partnership of the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB), Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO), and area community mental health agencies, hospitals, crisis teams, and police services. More than 21 agencies were involved in developing the protocol and a representative of each agency was present for the signing.

The protocol is a strategy for how school boards and community agencies will respond as a caring community to reduce the risk of suicide for students in crisis. It has been implemented because suicide is the second-leading cause of non-accidental death among children and youth in Canada. The intent of creating a caring community is to develop resilient youth by inspiring a sense of belonging and acceptance.

Major goals of the protocol include:

Assisting district school boards and community partners to take active steps to support students who pose a risk of suicide;

Increasing education and awareness on the topic of suicide; and

Ensuring the safety and well-being of all children and youth in our communities.

The protocol will assist the school boards and community partners in meeting these goals by:

Outlining the actions or conditions that will allow suicide intervention by board staff, and staff from hospitals and community partners, and what interventions must be taken to protect the life of a student;